Singapore Airlines&nbsp;and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday.

The cooperation between the carriers, which split out from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1972, comes amid financial trouble at Malaysia Airlines.

The deal provides for Singapore Airlines and its unit, SilkAir, to codeshare on 16 domestic locations with Malaysia Airlines, while allowing the former to codeshare on flights to Europe, South Africa, among other destinations.

"Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels in key markets," the carriers said in a joint statement.

Malaysia Airlines this month announced a codeshare arrangement with British Airways for 14 destinations.

Last week Malaysia said it had shortlisted four potential investors for a strategic partnership with the national carrier.

The Malaysian national carrier said it is strengthening its operations and internal management via cost-cutting and service improvements, as well as strengthening code-sharing pacts and joint ventures with other airlines to stay competitive.

Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional&nbsp;took a hit last year, with almost half of its impairment of $1.75 billion&nbsp;stemming from sustaining the national carrier.

Ties between the neighbours after Singapore's 1965 split from Malaysia have occasionally been strained.

The most recent dispute centred on maritime borders and air space between the city-state and Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor. The countries agreed in January to take steps to reduce tension.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines finalised a wide-ranging agreement to codeshare on more routes between the southeast Asian neighbours and elsewhere, the companies said on Wednesday. The cooperation between the carriers, which split out from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1972, comes amid financial trouble at Malaysia Airlines. The deal provides for Singapore Airlines and its unit, SilkAir, to codeshare on 16 domestic locations with Malaysia Airlines, while allowing the former to codeshare on flights to Europe, South Africa, among other destinations. "Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels in key markets," the carriers said in a joint statement. Malaysia Airlines this month announced a codeshare arrangement with British Airways for 14 destinations. Last week Malaysia said it had shortlisted four potential investors for a strategic partnership with the national carrier. The Malaysian national carrier said it is strengthening its operations and internal management via cost-cutting and service improvements, as well as strengthening code-sharing pacts and joint ventures with other airlines to stay competitive. Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional took a hit last year, with almost half of its impairment of $1.75 billion stemming from sustaining the national carrier. Ties between the neighbours after Singapore's 1965 split from Malaysia have occasionally been strained. The most recent dispute centred on maritime borders and air space between the city-state and Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor. The countries agreed in January to take steps to reduce tension.

Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines sign code-share pact

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Troops cleared one major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">route north of Beirut</a> after briefly scuffling with demonstrators in the morning. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television footage showed.

At the Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital, a security officer tried to persuade crowds to clear the way to nearby hospitals. "I am staying here," one woman told Reuters as she spread blankets across the road.

Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon's prime minister on Tuesday, toppling his coalition government. He said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only".

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri made his resignation speech after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

It was the most serious strife on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory.

The protests have compounded Lebanon's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">already serious economic woes</a> and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign. Troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators in the morning. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television footage showed. At the Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital, a security officer tried to persuade crowds to clear the way to nearby hospitals. "I am staying here," one woman told Reuters as she spread blankets across the road. Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon's prime minister on Tuesday, toppling his coalition government. He said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri made his resignation speech after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. It was the most serious strife on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory. The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Lebanese army urges protesters to open roads after prime minister's resignation

Apple Inc is mobilizing suppliers to launch its first 5G iPhone range, the Nikkei Asian Review said on Wednesday.

"It will be the first time Apple introduces 5G iPhones ... There will be three of them and the company has set an aggressive sales target," Nikkei&nbsp;quoted a source as saying.

The three new iPhones will carry a 5G modem chip designed by Qualcomm Inc, Nikkei added, citing four people familiar with the plan.

Apple and Qualcomm did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Apple Inc is mobilizing suppliers to launch its first 5G iPhone range, the Nikkei Asian Review said on Wednesday. "It will be the first time Apple introduces 5G iPhones .

Apple Inc is mobilizing suppliers to launch its first 5G iPhone range, the Nikkei Asian Review said on Wednesday. "It will be the first time Apple introduces 5G iPhones ... There will be three of them and the company has set an aggressive sales target," Nikkei quoted a source as saying. The three new iPhones will carry a 5G modem chip designed by Qualcomm Inc, Nikkei added, citing four people familiar with the plan. Apple and Qualcomm did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Apple mobilises suppliers to unveil first 5G iPhones: Report

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence.

Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When the premier refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi al-Amiri to help oust him.

Amiri, who leads a parliamentary alliance of Iran-backed Shi'ite militia that holds the second-largest amount of seats in parliament behind Sadr's alliance,&nbsp;issued a statement late on Tuesday agreeing to help oust the prime minister.

"We will work together to secure the interests of the Iraqi people and save the nation in accordance with the public good," Amiri said in a statement.

Abdul Mahdi took office just a year ago after weeks of political deadlock in which Sadr and Amiri both failed to secure enough votes to form a government. They appointed Abdul Mahdi as a compromise candidate to lead a fragile coalition government.

Mass protests driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption have broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October&nbsp;1.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence. Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When the premier refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi al-Amiri to help oust him. Amiri, who leads a parliamentary alliance of Iran-backed Shi'ite militia that holds the second-largest amount of seats in parliament behind Sadr's alliance, issued a statement late on Tuesday agreeing to help oust the prime minister. "We will work together to secure the interests of the Iraqi people and save the nation in accordance with the public good," Amiri said in a statement. Abdul Mahdi took office just a year ago after weeks of political deadlock in which Sadr and Amiri both failed to secure enough votes to form a government. They appointed Abdul Mahdi as a compromise candidate to lead a fragile coalition government. Mass protests driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption have broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1.

Iraqi prime minister's main backers agree to oust him

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Euro 2020 qualifier</a> against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years.

The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium.

UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games.

The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence.

The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes.

Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch.

"We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association.

"Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again.

"While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society."

The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June.

"We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement.

Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition.

"We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said.

"We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism.

"Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception."

Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled".

"We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement.

"In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination.

"The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour."

The incidents caused indignation in the football world and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uefa-must-do-more-to-tackle-vile-racism-uk-pm-johnsons-spokesman-256094">were condemned</a> both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov.

The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov.

In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions".

Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers,&nbsp;losing four and drawing three,&nbsp;and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals.

Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

&nbsp;

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday. The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years. The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium. UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games. The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence. The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes. Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch. "We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association. "Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again. "While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society." The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June. "We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement. Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition. "We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said. "We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism. "Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception." Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled". "We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement. "In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination. "The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour." The incidents caused indignation in the football world and were condemned both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov. The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov. In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions". Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers, losing four and drawing three, and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals. Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Bulgaria to play game behind closed doors, fined after England racism

Italian-American Fiat Chrysler&nbsp;and Frances's Peugeot owner PSA&nbsp;are in talks over a potential tie-up aimed at creating one of the world's leading automakers.

After ditching a proposed merger with French rival Renault in June, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) confirmed on Wednesday its bid to pursue an alternative alliance at a time when carmakers face huge investments for electrification, emission reduction and autonomous driving technologies.

Yet if a combination of Peugeot and FCA succeeds in overcoming political, financial and governance hurdles, the new enterprise would still face substantial challenges.

Global automakers face the prospect of a slowdown in global demand coinciding with the most dramatic technology changes in a century.

The two companies said they are in talks to combine in a deal that could create a $50 billion player, a source familiar with the matter said.

PSA's supervisory board was due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the potential deal, another source close to the matter said. FCA said in a statement it had nothing more to add for the time being.

US-traded shares in Fiat Chrysler&nbsp;rose sharply on Tuesday and ended up more than 7.5 per cent.

Italian-American Fiat Chrysler and Frances's Peugeot owner PSA are in talks over a potential tie-up aimed at creating one of the world's leading automakers. After ditching a proposed merger with French rival Renault in June, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) confirmed on Wednesday its bid to pursue an alternative alliance at a time when carmakers face huge investments for electrification, emission reduction and autonomous driving technologies.

Italian-American Fiat Chrysler and Frances's Peugeot owner PSA are in talks over a potential tie-up aimed at creating one of the world's leading automakers. After ditching a proposed merger with French rival Renault in June, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) confirmed on Wednesday its bid to pursue an alternative alliance at a time when carmakers face huge investments for electrification, emission reduction and autonomous driving technologies. Yet if a combination of Peugeot and FCA succeeds in overcoming political, financial and governance hurdles, the new enterprise would still face substantial challenges. Global automakers face the prospect of a slowdown in global demand coinciding with the most dramatic technology changes in a century. The two companies said they are in talks to combine in a deal that could create a $50 billion player, a source familiar with the matter said. PSA's supervisory board was due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the potential deal, another source close to the matter said. FCA said in a statement it had nothing more to add for the time being. US-traded shares in Fiat Chrysler rose sharply on Tuesday and ended up more than 7.5 per cent.

Fiat Chrysler and PSA confirm talks over potential tie-up

Global growth is slowing and has modestly impacted the United States, US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, adding the US&nbsp;economy remained strong with good capital inflows.

"There is no question that the global economy is slowing down and that has had some modest drag on the US&nbsp;economy," he said at an investment conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Mnuchin also said Europe needed to do more on the fiscal and regulatory side to maintain growth.

Global growth is slowing and has modestly impacted the United States, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, adding the US economy remained strong with good capital inflows.

Global growth is slowing and has modestly impacted the United States, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, adding the US economy remained strong with good capital inflows. "There is no question that the global economy is slowing down and that has had some modest drag on the US economy," he said at an investment conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Mnuchin also said Europe needed to do more on the fiscal and regulatory side to maintain growth.

Global growth slowing, modest drag on United States: Steven Mnuchin

India will lease a quarter of its strategic petroleum reserve in Padur to Saudi Aramco to store about 4.6 million barrels of oil, a government official said on Wednesday, as New Delhi seeks global investment in its expanding energy infrastructure.

Global oil producers are eager to gain a foothold in India, where fuel demand is expected to keep rising as the country's economy grows.

Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd, a government company charged with building oil storage, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi state firm for its participation in the 2.5-million-tonne facility in Karnataka state.

"Aramco has signed an MoU for only one compartment," said HPS Ahuja, chief executive of the Indian company.

The Padur storage facility has four equal-sized compartments.

So far, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co is the only foreign company storing oil in India's strategic reserves, at Mangalore, also in Karnataka. Last year it signed a preliminary agreement to use half of the Padur reserve.

Ahuja said Aramco would have to keep some of the 4.6 million barrels for India's strategic needs, but could sell the rest to Indian refiners.

India, which relies on imports for about 80% of its oil needs, has underground emergency storage in three locations to protect against any supply disruption. The reserves can hold 36.87 million barrels.

India will lease a quarter of its strategic petroleum reserve in Padur to Saudi Aramco to store about 4.6 million barrels of oil, a government official said on Wednesday, as New Delhi seeks global investment in its expanding energy infrastructure.

India will lease a quarter of its strategic petroleum reserve in Padur to Saudi Aramco to store about 4.6 million barrels of oil, a government official said on Wednesday, as New Delhi seeks global investment in its expanding energy infrastructure. Global oil producers are eager to gain a foothold in India, where fuel demand is expected to keep rising as the country's economy grows. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd, a government company charged with building oil storage, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi state firm for its participation in the 2.5-million-tonne facility in Karnataka state. "Aramco has signed an MoU for only one compartment," said HPS Ahuja, chief executive of the Indian company. The Padur storage facility has four equal-sized compartments. So far, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co is the only foreign company storing oil in India's strategic reserves, at Mangalore, also in Karnataka. Last year it signed a preliminary agreement to use half of the Padur reserve. Ahuja said Aramco would have to keep some of the 4.6 million barrels for India's strategic needs, but could sell the rest to Indian refiners. India, which relies on imports for about 80% of its oil needs, has underground emergency storage in three locations to protect against any supply disruption. The reserves can hold 36.87 million barrels.

Saudi Aramco to keep 4.6 million barrels of oil in Indian storage: Report

Volkswagen&nbsp;lowered its full-year sales outlook on Wednesday, warning of slowing demand even as nine-month adjusted operating profit jumped 11.2 per cent&nbsp;on increased demand for SUVs as well as Skoda and Porsche cars.

The German carmaker said a slowdown in global demand would result in 2019 vehicle deliveries being in line with last year's figures, adjusting its previous forecast for a slight rise.

"Despite the gain in market share, the Volkswagen Group anticipates that vehicle markets will contract faster than previously anticipated in many regions of the world," it said.

Increased demand for higher-margin VW Tiguan and Touareg models helped to offset an overall drop in sales of the VW brand in the nine months ending September, with Porsche and Skoda deliveries up 8 per cent&nbsp;and 15.3 per cent&nbsp;respectively.

Revenue for its passenger cars division is still expected to rise 5 per cent&nbsp;this year and the company reiterated that it expects an operating profit margin for the passenger cars division and the group to be in the range of 6.5 per cent&nbsp;to 7.5 per cent&nbsp;for the full year.

The updated guidance follows Ford's cut this week to its operating profit forecast, blaming a slowdown in demand in China and other headwinds.

Volkswagen said special items from legal risks, caused by the 2015 diesel emissions cheating scandal, had fallen to 1.3 billion euros ($1.45 billion) from 2.4 billion euros in the same period last year.

Third-quarter adjusted operating profit jumped 37 per cent&nbsp;to 4.82 billion euros, with analysts at Evercore ISI estimating Porsche's profit margin at 16.8 per cent, well ahead of Audi with 7.5 per cent&nbsp;and the VW brand at 4.1 per cent.

"The divisions beat expectations which will help the perception of the quality of earnings," Evercore's Arndt Ellinghorst said in a note.

Volkswagen lowered its full-year sales outlook on Wednesday, warning of slowing demand even as nine-month adjusted operating profit jumped 11.2 per cent on increased demand for SUVs as well as Skoda and Porsche cars.

Volkswagen lowered its full-year sales outlook on Wednesday, warning of slowing demand even as nine-month adjusted operating profit jumped 11.2 per cent on increased demand for SUVs as well as Skoda and Porsche cars. The German carmaker said a slowdown in global demand would result in 2019 vehicle deliveries being in line with last year's figures, adjusting its previous forecast for a slight rise. "Despite the gain in market share, the Volkswagen Group anticipates that vehicle markets will contract faster than previously anticipated in many regions of the world," it said. Increased demand for higher-margin VW Tiguan and Touareg models helped to offset an overall drop in sales of the VW brand in the nine months ending September, with Porsche and Skoda deliveries up 8 per cent and 15.3 per cent respectively. Revenue for its passenger cars division is still expected to rise 5 per cent this year and the company reiterated that it expects an operating profit margin for the passenger cars division and the group to be in the range of 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent for the full year. The updated guidance follows Ford's cut this week to its operating profit forecast, blaming a slowdown in demand in China and other headwinds. Volkswagen said special items from legal risks, caused by the 2015 diesel emissions cheating scandal, had fallen to 1.3 billion euros ($1.45 billion) from 2.4 billion euros in the same period last year. Third-quarter adjusted operating profit jumped 37 per cent to 4.82 billion euros, with analysts at Evercore ISI estimating Porsche's profit margin at 16.8 per cent, well ahead of Audi with 7.5 per cent and the VW brand at 4.1 per cent. "The divisions beat expectations which will help the perception of the quality of earnings," Evercore's Arndt Ellinghorst said in a note.

Volkswagen lowers 2019 sales outlook as demand cools

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-diplomat-unaware-of-possible-quid-pro-quo-on-ukraine-258326">United States</a>&nbsp;military operation in Syria, sources in Syria, Iraq and Iran said on Sunday, as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House.

A US&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier told Reuters Baghdadi was targeted in the overnight raid but was unable to say whether the operation was successful.

A commander of one of the militant factions in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib said Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in a raid after midnight on Saturday involving helicopters, warplanes and a ground clash in the village of Brisha near the Turkish border.

Two Iraqi security sources and two Iranian officials said they had received confirmation from inside Syria that Baghdadi had been killed.

"Iran was informed about Baghdadi's death by Syrian officials who got it from the field," one of the officials said.

Newsweek, which first reported the news, said it had been told by a US&nbsp;Army official briefed on the raid that Baghdadi was dead. It said the operation was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT&nbsp;on Sunday.

Gidley gave no further details as to the topic of Trump's statement.

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Something very big has just happened!
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-leader-targeted-by-united-states-forces-as-trump-plans-sunday-statement-258337">president gave an indication</a> that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!"

Trump has faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies.

Many critics of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-lawmakers-hear-from-corroborating-witness-in-trump-impeachment-probe-258323">Trump</a>'s Syria pullout have expressed worries that it would lead the Islamic State militancy to regain strength and pose a threat to US&nbsp;interests. An announcement about Baghdadi's death could help blunt those concerns.

For days, US&nbsp;officials had feared that Islamic State would seek to capitalise on the upheaval in Syria. But they also saw a potential opportunity, in which Islamic State leaders might break from more secretive routines to communicate with operatives, potentially creating a chance for the United States and its allies to detect them.

Baghdadi was long thought to hiding somewhere along the Iraq-Syria border. He has led the group since 2010, when it was still an underground al Qaeda offshoot in Iraq.

On September&nbsp;16, Islamic State's media network issued a 30-minute audio message purporting to come from Baghdadi, in which he said operations were taking place daily and called on supporters to free women jailed in camps in Iraq and Syria over their alleged links to his group.

In the audio message, Baghdadi also said the United States and its proxies had been defeated in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that the United States had been "dragged" into Mali and Niger.

At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through towns and villages along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi, an Iraqi, of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria.

US&nbsp;airstrikes killed most of his top lieutenants, and before Islamic State published a video message of Baghdadi in April there had been conflicting reports over whether he was alive.

Despite losing its last significant territory, Islamic State is believed to have sleeper cells around the world, and some fighters operate from the shadows in Syria's desert and Iraq's cities.

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in a United States military operation in Syria, sources in Syria, Iraq and Iran said on Sunday, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House.

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in a United States military operation in Syria, sources in Syria, Iraq and Iran said on Sunday, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier told Reuters Baghdadi was targeted in the overnight raid but was unable to say whether the operation was successful. A commander of one of the militant factions in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib said Baghdadi was believed to have been killed in a raid after midnight on Saturday involving helicopters, warplanes and a ground clash in the village of Brisha near the Turkish border. Two Iraqi security sources and two Iranian officials said they had received confirmation from inside Syria that Baghdadi had been killed. "Iran was informed about Baghdadi's death by Syrian officials who got it from the field," one of the officials said. Newsweek, which first reported the news, said it had been told by a US Army official briefed on the raid that Baghdadi was dead. It said the operation was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT on Sunday. Gidley gave no further details as to the topic of Trump's statement. Something very big has just happened! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2019 × The president gave an indication that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!" Trump has faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies. Many critics of Trump's Syria pullout have expressed worries that it would lead the Islamic State militancy to regain strength and pose a threat to US interests. An announcement about Baghdadi's death could help blunt those concerns. For days, US officials had feared that Islamic State would seek to capitalise on the upheaval in Syria. But they also saw a potential opportunity, in which Islamic State leaders might break from more secretive routines to communicate with operatives, potentially creating a chance for the United States and its allies to detect them. Baghdadi was long thought to hiding somewhere along the Iraq-Syria border. He has led the group since 2010, when it was still an underground al Qaeda offshoot in Iraq. On September 16, Islamic State's media network issued a 30-minute audio message purporting to come from Baghdadi, in which he said operations were taking place daily and called on supporters to free women jailed in camps in Iraq and Syria over their alleged links to his group. In the audio message, Baghdadi also said the United States and its proxies had been defeated in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that the United States had been "dragged" into Mali and Niger. At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through towns and villages along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi, an Iraqi, of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria. US airstrikes killed most of his top lieutenants, and before Islamic State published a video message of Baghdadi in April there had been conflicting reports over whether he was alive. Despite losing its last significant territory, Islamic State is believed to have sleeper cells around the world, and some fighters operate from the shadows in Syria's desert and Iraq's cities.

Islamic State leader Baghdadi reportedly killed in Syria by United States forces

Beijing's new $63 billion mega-airport begins international flights

For three minutes on Saturday, Mayra Miranda emotionally hugged her daughters whom she had not seen for three years since she was deported from the United States&nbsp;back to Mexico.

Her daughters stayed with their grandparents in the United States, while she lives in Ciudad Juarez.

"They (US authorities) don't know the pain they cause people with deportation. It marks your life. It damages not only children but parents and siblings," Miranda said.

Daniela Torres asked for days off work to travel from the Mexican city of Torreon, located more than 800 kilometres away to see her relatives. Her brother and a cousin live in the United States but they cannot see each other.

Undocumented migrants were at an event with hundreds of other families with mixed immigration status who were reunited with relatives in a "hugs not wall" meeting arranged by an El Paso, Texas-based advocacy group, Border Network for Human Rights.

At the event on the border, more than 300 other families all donned blue shirts, while their counterparts from the Juarez, Mexico side wore white shirts to ensure no one tried to slip across. The brief reunions are approved by US&nbsp;government agencies since participants stay on the riverbed that marks the frontier. 
 
"In the midst of walls, children in jails, rejecting refugees, to have refugee camps in Juarez, in the midst of that attack, we have an event today where families are meeting mid-river, defying walls, defying unfair migration policies. That's the meaning of today's event", said Fernando Garcia, the Director of the Border Network for Human Rights.

After speeches from the organisers, both sides rushed together for three minutes of tearful hugs, embraces and excited face-to-face conversations.

Those moments were fleeting however and they separated again amid tears and sadness hoping their paths will someday cross again.

For three minutes on Saturday, Mayra Miranda emotionally hugged her daughters whom she had not seen for three years since she was deported from the United States back to Mexico.

For three minutes on Saturday, Mayra Miranda emotionally hugged her daughters whom she had not seen for three years since she was deported from the United States back to Mexico. Her daughters stayed with their grandparents in the United States, while she lives in Ciudad Juarez. "They (US authorities) don't know the pain they cause people with deportation. It marks your life. It damages not only children but parents and siblings," Miranda said. Daniela Torres asked for days off work to travel from the Mexican city of Torreon, located more than 800 kilometres away to see her relatives. Her brother and a cousin live in the United States but they cannot see each other. Undocumented migrants were at an event with hundreds of other families with mixed immigration status who were reunited with relatives in a "hugs not wall" meeting arranged by an El Paso, Texas-based advocacy group, Border Network for Human Rights. At the event on the border, more than 300 other families all donned blue shirts, while their counterparts from the Juarez, Mexico side wore white shirts to ensure no one tried to slip across. The brief reunions are approved by US government agencies since participants stay on the riverbed that marks the frontier. "In the midst of walls, children in jails, rejecting refugees, to have refugee camps in Juarez, in the midst of that attack, we have an event today where families are meeting mid-river, defying walls, defying unfair migration policies. That's the meaning of today's event", said Fernando Garcia, the Director of the Border Network for Human Rights. After speeches from the organisers, both sides rushed together for three minutes of tearful hugs, embraces and excited face-to-face conversations. Those moments were fleeting however and they separated again amid tears and sadness hoping their paths will someday cross again.

Families reunited in 'Hugs Not Walls' event at United States-Mexico border

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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